Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Veal.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Nikki. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As for the show and my cheesecake business, I credit the coming about of both businesses to me taking a chance a couple of years ago and starting a Mary Kay business. You see, the host of Sista’s Talk and I only met because my sister in law invited me to her baby shower to showcase my Mary Kay products. At the end of Danielle Meggoe’s baby shower, she expressed that she liked the way I handled business, as well as me as a person. We exchanged information with the intent for her to help me get another opportunity to showcase my Mary Kay business at her place of employment. That didn’t quite work out, but a year later, when she was presented with the opportunity to host her own podcast, she thought of me. January 19th, we celebrated one year of our show being in existence. Now, as for my cheesecakes, one holiday, I was preparing a cheesecake and a sweet potato pie. After preparing both of these desserts, I had leftover batter from each and thought how I’ve never tasted a sweet potato cheesecake before. I blended the two together & it turned out good. I began to think to myself, wouldn’t it be cool to combine other well known deserts with cheesecake. I thought about this idea for a while, years even, and it wasn’t until after I started the Mary Kay business that I gained confidence, as well as the business knowledge to start my business. I am currently creating these cheesecakes out of my home, looking forward to one day owning my own shop.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has definitely been a bit rocky. Some kinks are still being worked out, while some difficult decisions have had to be made. I have had to ask, even force my family to sacrifice time with me because I truly believe that I’m on the path to being used by God to create generational wealth. I have truly been tested from technical difficulties in the studio to brushing up on my time management skills. Originally I attempted to work my Mary Kay business, operate my show, run my cheesecake business and still be here for my family. I ultimately had to make a decision. My mother in law became very ill and my husband needs my help to care for her. Anxiety was kicking my butt because on top of all this I already have going on, I still work a full-time job. The Mary Kay business had to go and it was high time that I really started believing in myself and following my dreams and aspirations.
Please tell us about your business.
Sistas Talk is a show that loves to highlight our local community, small businesses, and bring more of an awareness of the importance of mental wellness. When individuals interview with us, they are made to feel comfortable, therefore viewers and listeners have the opportunity to see interviewees from a different perspective.
Now my cheesecakes are not too rich, not too fluffy, not too sweet, but just right in flavor. Any cheesecake purchased from me is made completely homemade. I pair cheesecake with your favorite desserts. From brownies to cake and even banana pudding, I am also keeping with traditional cheesecakes and mini cheesecakes with a topping of your choice if you’d like. With the show and my cheesecake business, I am just so grateful and proud that we continue to carry on. I am proud and grateful to start something great that will last for years to come.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’ve been pretty fortunate to have some amazing, dear to me individuals, back me up. Valerie Peterson-Kelly introduced me to the Mary Kay’s business and has really turned out to be a great business coach and spiritual mentor. My oldest son, Eric Daveon Veal, encouraged me to start the Mary Kay business and always encouraged me to market my kitchen creations. My mother, Nora Allen, who will buy anything from me and encourage others to do the same. I have to thank Larwencia Seagraves for introducing me to Danielle. My husband, Eric Veal, who picks up where I fall short. Danielle Meggoe, who is more than just a blessing to work with on our show, encourages me in anything I tell her I want to do. My list can go on and on and on. Anyone who has ever bought anything from me prayed for me, gave me a compliment on a cheesecake, interviewed on Sistas Talk, listened in on an episode has been apart of this journey. I also have to thank the Grade A media platform for the opportunity you’ve graced the ladies of Sistas Talk with. And my 9-5 bff Crystal Simon. She’s my hypeman. Everybody needs a hypeman, right? She always believes in me. And thanks so much Voyage for granting me this interview.
Pricing:
- plain cheesecake $10
- specialty cheesecakes start at $12
Contact Info:
- Website: facebook.com/sistascwt
- Phone: 832-779-0671
- Email: nikkiseagraves79@gmail.com
- Instagram: nikkigiovanni28
- Facebook: Nikki’s House of Cheesecakes
- Twitter: @sistas_talk
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